BASKETBALL

Senior spotlight: Merrill's Zach Mootz not just a one-dimensional player

Tim Johnson
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Merrill senior Zach Mootz entered the week averaging 20.5 points per game in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.

MERRILL - Zach Mootz entered the week ranked in the top five in scoring, rebounds and assists in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. But it's his hustle play from earlier this season that stands out to Merrill boys basketball coach Jake Schalow. 

Mootz deflected a Hortonville pass toward midcourt and then beat a Polar Bears player to the loose ball to give the Bluejays possession.

"He was about 6 or 7 feet behind (the Hortonville player) at first but chased him down then dives on the floor, rolls and somehow gets (the ball) to a teammate," Schalow said. "It's not a play that will get on 'SportsCenter' and wouldn't get a lot of publicity but it shows his character, his leadership and his commitment that he has put into the program."

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Mootz entered the week averaging 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in the WVC for the Bluejays, who sit a game out of first place in the conference and have a 7-5 record overall. 

"The more time I have spent time with him and watched him play and work at his game, the more I know he is not a one-dimensional player," said Schalow, who is in his second year with the program. "He is a solid defender, a really good rebounder and passer. He can do it all."

Mootz recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about the Bluejays' highlight win over Stevens Point Area Senior High last Friday, his future plans and how video games fit into the Bluejays' pregame routines, among other subjects. 

Do you have a certain nickname that your friends/teammates or family members call you?

Everyone calls me just "Mootz"  or "Mootzie."

What would you say your most memorable sports moment has been?

The first game of the season last year. We had an overtime win against Randolph in The Dells. It was a big win for us and the first for Coach Schalow with us.

Was last Friday's win over SPASH a highlight game that you have been a part of — not only for what Merrill was able to do (snapping the Panthers' 53-game conference winning streak) but just the atmosphere?

Definitely. We knew SPASH obviously was a really good team and they were coming in with that streak. We knew we had the chance (to end the streak) and the opportunity was there. We rose to the challenge and it was probably the best game that we played all year. 

How does the team build off a win like that?

We just have to play with that same mentality the rest of the year. We know we can play at that level. (Consistency) has been a thing for us this year. We have been riding that roller coaster like our coach says sometimes, having those highs and lows. We just have to make sure we aren't having spurts of low energy (in games). We have to keep it high all the time. 

It is a more experienced team this year. What do you like about this Bluejays squad?

We are all really close. There is no group of people who are off on their own straying away. We have all known each other since third or fourth grade and we have always been close with one another. 

Do you have certain superstitions or pregame rituals you go through?

Before home games, (members of the team) go to Subway and head back to my house to play video games for a bit, then come over (to the school) and watch the JV game for a bit. 

What is the go-to game for the team?

"Super Smash Bros." 

Nice. Which character do you go with?

Sanus. 

Who is your celebrity crush?

Selena Gomez.

Where is your dream vacation?

Hawaii. 

What is your post-graduation plan?

I'm going to play basketball at either (the University of Wisconsin) Eau Claire or Stevens Point right now and going to major in something in the health field. 

FAVORITES

Sport: Basketball.

Pro or college athlete: Kobe Bryant. I always admired how he plays.

Movie: The "Insidious" series.

TV show: "Impractical Jokers."

Food or meal: Shrimp Alfredo.